AI Incidents
Real-world cases where AI systems caused harm, classified by risk domain and entity. Data sourced from 
AIID and classified by 
MIT AI Risk Initiative. CC BY-SA 4.0
736 incidents
Purported Deepfake of Andrew Forrest Used to Promote Fraudulent 'Quantum AI' Crypto Platform on Facebook
Cybertrace reportedly identified a purported deepfake of Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest circulating on Facebook on January 27, 2024, falsely depicting him endorsing a fraudulent crypto platform called Quantum AI. The video reportedly altered footage from a 2023 Rhodes Trust talk. Forrest reportedly condemned Meta for failing to curb AI-generated frauds.
Significant Increase in Deepfake Nudes of Taylor Swift Circulating on Social Media
AI-generated sexually explicit images of Taylor Swift circulated on X, garnering over 45 million views before removal. Originating from a Telegram group, these deepfakes challenge content moderation, as X's policies against synthetic media and nonconsensual nudity were violated.
Deepfakes of Deceased Indian Politicians for Election Campaigning Are Increasingly Being Deployed
In the lead-up to India's 2024 general elections, AI technology was used to create deepfake videos of deceased politicians, such as M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, aiming to influence voter behavior and campaign strategies. These AI-generated appearances are contributing to the erosion of trust in democratic processes and media discourse.
Fake Biden Voice in Robocall Misleads New Hampshire Democratic Voters in 2024 Primary Election
A robocall imitating President Biden's voice urged New Hampshire Democrats to skip the 2024 primary, falsely claiming their votes mattered more in November. Investigators with the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, along with other state AGs, the Industry Traceback Group, and the FCC determined that political consultant Steve Kramer hired Paul Carpenter to create the deepfake, which was distributed by Walter Monk's company, Life Corporation. Rep. Dean Phillips, who employed Kramer, has distanced himself from the incident. Kathy Sullivan, the former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair, was falsely impersonated in the caller ID data used for the robocalls.
Purportedly AI-Manipulated Medical Scam Advertisement Reportedly Used Bulgarian TV Host and Physician's Likenesses
A purportedly AI-manipulated scam advertisement circulating online appeared to use the likenesses and altered media of Bulgarian television host Simeon Ivanov and physician Spas Spaskov to promote an unregistered purported joint-treatment product. They reportedly denied involvement, and the product was described in reporting as ineffective.
High School Athletic Director in Baltimore County Allegedly Created Racist Deepfake Audio Impersonating Principal
Dazhon Darien, former athletic director at Pikesville High School in Baltimore, allegedly used AI to create a purported deepfake audio clip impersonating Principal Eric Eiswert, embedding racist and antisemitic remarks. According to reports, the clip was intended to discredit Eiswert and was widely circulated, with some accounts linking it to threats and his placement on administrative leave. On April 28, 2025, Darien was reportedly sentenced to four months in jail after pleading guilty to disturbing school operations.
Purported Deepfake Audio Reportedly Sparks False Claims of Biden Threatening Texas with F-15s
A purportedly AI-generated audio clip imitating President Biden’s voice reportedly circulated on social media, falsely suggesting that he had threatened to deploy F-15 fighter jets against Texas. The manipulated recording was widely shared and is reported to have heightened political tensions and spread misinformation.
Unauthorized AI Impersonation of George Carlin Used in Comedy Special
An AI-generated comedy special impersonating the late comedian George Carlin was created without consent from Carlin's estate. The special featured an AI mimicking Carlin's voice and style. The project, led by the AI comedy channel Dudesy, drew criticism for disrespecting Carlin's legacy and autonomy.
Coordinated Deepfake Campaign Reportedly Impersonating Rishi Sunak Promoted Fraudulent Quantum AI Investment Platform on Meta
143 deepfake ads, over 100 of which reportedly impersonated former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, were promoted on Meta's platform to advertise the fraudulent investment scheme "Quantum AI." Funding for the ads reportedly originated from 23 countries. Up to 462,000 users may have been exposed to the false content. The campaign used generative AI tools to create high-quality misinformation, including spoofed BBC news clips for added legitimacy
Presidency of Moldova Reportedly Refutes Purported Deepfake Video Slandering President Maia Sandu
A deepfake video reportedly depicting President Maia Sandu's image and voice was released in Moldova, allegedly portraying her in a negative light to sow division and undermine democratic institutions. This video reportedly appeared on Telegram and was linked to Russian disinformation efforts.
Deepfake Video Reportedly Depicts U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman Endorsing Military Support for Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party
A deepfake video is reported to have falsely depicted U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman endorsing military support for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party candidates in the 2024 presidential election. Shared on TikTok, the video is reported to have undermined Taiwanese voter confidence in the DPP by alleging U.S. interference. Fact-checking from AFP finds Wittman never made the statements attributed to him.
Alleged Deepfake of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Promotes Cryptocurrency Scam in Fake Interview
A deepfake video falsely depicted Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong promoting a cryptocurrency investment scam. Scammers used AI-generated voice cloning and manipulated footage from official events to create a convincing but fraudulent video interview with China Global Television Network. Lee warned the public and urged reporting through the ScamShield Bot.
Proliferation of Deepfakes Disrupting 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
Digital manipulators in India are using deepfake technology to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These AI-generated videos and audio clips are designed to tarnish the reputations of political candidates, challenging the integrity of electoral processes.
Social Media Scammers Used Deepfakes of Taylor Swift and Several Other Celebrities in Fraudulent Le Creuset Cookware Giveaways
Scammers reportedly made deepfakes of Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Joanna Gaines, Lainey Wilson, Ree Drummond, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Trisha Yearwood, Martha Stewart, and Blake Shelton promoting a Le Creuset giveaway. These AI-generated ads, appearing on Meta and TikTok, falsely claimed users could receive free cookware by paying a small shipping fee. Victims were unknowingly enrolled in a costly monthly subscription.
Manipulated Deepfake Video of Lai Ching-te Endorsing Rivals in Lead-up to January Presidential Elections
In the lead-up to Taiwan's presidential election in January 2024, a deepfake video circulated showing candidate Lai Ching-te endorsing his rivals. Taiwanese intelligence issued warnings of intensified Chinese disinformation campaigns, such as Spamouflage, aimed at manipulating the election outcome.